HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0997.006 2012-2014 P/*wEsc
Steve Sakala
Po Box 2054 COUNTY CLERK
Kealakekua, HI 96750 COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
RECEIVED
Time¢3:445-P1 By v44)
Date 2.0/i 6 6(0
WfrCc. Sj
Aloha Council Members,
I am testifying today in support of both resolution 500-14 and 501-14 in regards to "truth
and labeling". As the president of the Kona Chapter of Hawaii Farmers Union United I
can't stress enough how important this is to our local coffee growers. This seems to be
a unique issue to Kona as almost all other regional products in the world are protected.
It is time that Kona Coffee be recognized and protected by our State Legislature and
Hawaii's Department of Agriculture.
These resolutions move the industry towards a positive solution that will generate more
local dollars. Economics show that local dollars generated have a multiplier effect and
can generate 3-4 times the worth of the original dollar generated. With more than 800
coffee farms and the families that work these farms this could mean a huge boost for
our local economy. This spells out a win win for Kona Farmers and the Hawaii
economy. I urge you to please pass both of these resolutions.
Mahalo for your time and service to our community.
Steve Sakala
President, Kona Chapter HFUU
Democrat District 5 Chair
Owner Honaunau Farm
Comm. N 1
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Ref. Date SEP 16 ZU1